CNN.com - Health

Decrease in smoking extends life span, but obesity may curb gains

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:51:06 GMT

Although fewer people are smoking -- and therefore less likely to die from cigarette-related causes -- the obesity epidemic may negate any gains in life span, according to a new study.

Cosmetic surgery boom revamps doctors' offices

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:22:33 GMT

The recent death of former Miss Argentina and model Solange Magnano is raising a lot of questions about the risks of cosmetic surgery. But even non-surgical beauty procedures can carry with them serious risks -- especially if the doctor performing them isn't a specialist.

My son had flu, but we don't know kind; does he need a vaccination?

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:35:49 GMT

In the emergency room recently, my 14-month-old son got a diagnosis of influenza A, but he wasn't tested for H1N1. He has recovered after nine days of fever and other symptoms, but we are unsure going forward whether to seek the regular or swine flu vaccine for him. Any suggestions?

Hand sanitizer: How it protects you

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:55:56 GMT

It's everywhere you look -- in schools, in shopping malls, in day care centers, in offices.

Where to go for a healthy holiday shopping

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:22:43 GMT

It's that time of year to make your list, check it twice -- and hit the stores. Happily, some retailers today are realizing that shoppers want a healthy experience as well as bargains.

Could I have rabies? I may have been bitten by a bat

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:21:06 GMT

Last night, I was walking out from work late at night, and all of a sudden, out of nowhere, a bat sitting on the parking lot lawn charged toward me and within seconds flew very close to me. I did not have time to react or realize what happened or if it touched me.

Do severe herpes outbreaks increase my cancer risk?

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:18:51 GMT

I have HSV-1 and HSV-2. I found out that my outbreaks are now forming from the inside lining of my genital area, which is all the way in the vagina. My question is -- does this mean my outbreaks are becoming severe, and am I more susceptible to cancer? And what's the best treatment for HSV-2?

What doctors don't tell you about C-sections

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:40:59 GMT

I was six months pregnant when a smiling stranger on a bus asked where I was delivering. Within minutes, this woman was sharing intimate details of her own birthing experience -- the water breaking, the contractions that failed to get closer together, and the way her doctor deftly sewed up the four-inch incision from her Caesarean section. "I'm telling you, this guy was good," she said. "Next time, I'm just scheduling my C-section. None of this pushing stuff."

Why haven't I started menopause -- I'm 55?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:11:56 GMT

I have just turned 55 and am still having a regular, clockwork period every single 28 days. It lasts only three to four days, but it is still there! Is there any danger in having this go on so long? I was approximately 13 years old when I started, and here I still am! I have no symptoms of menopause at all.

Respirator or face mask? Best H1N1 protection still debated

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:52:16 GMT

A preliminary report suggesting that N95 respirators -- filtering devices worn over the mouth and nose -- protect against swine flu better than surgical face masks seems to be incorrect, researchers revealed during a meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).